UFC Fight Night 30 results: Norman Parke outworks tiring Jon Tuck for win

MANCHESTER – Norman Parke failed to earn his first UFC stoppage but was nonetheless impressive in a dominating decision win over Jon Tuck.

The lightweight bout was part of the main card of today’s UFC Fight Night 30 event at Phones4u Arena in Manchester, England. It aired on FOX Sports 2 following prelims on MMAjunkie.com.

Both fighters were patient but potent to open, as Tuck mixed in kicks with his stiff, straight punches, and southpaw Parke answered with a strong left hands, as well. Parke complained of an eyepoke halfway through the frame, but the blow was ruled legal, and Tuck continued to press forward. The two continued to trade until the final seconds, when Parke scored a suplex to close the frame.

Tuck continued to score well with kicks to the legs and body in the second, but Parke was busier with his hands, working in combinations rather than single shots. As the round wore on, Tuck visibly slowed, and Parke walked forward, often finding a home for his left hand.

With his corner imploring him to come forward and look for a finish, Tuck had spare moments of success in the final frame. But it was Parke who continued as the aggressor and remained in control of the fight. Parke was awarded the clear decision win for his efforts, earning scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 on the judges’ cards while outstriking his opponent 154-76 according to FightMetric.

“It feels good, but I wanted the finish as people have said I’m winning on points,” Parke said. “I felt good in there. I got in the groove, but I didn’t want to overcommit myself. I was happy with my boxing performance, but next time I want the finish.”

With the win, Parke (19-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) now boasts a nine-fight winning streak. Tuck (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) loses for the first time as a professional.

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 30 results include:

• Norman Parke def. Jon Tuck via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Nicholas Musoke def. Alessio Sakara via verbal submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:07
• John Lineker def. Phil Harris via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:51
• Al Iaquinta def. Piotr Hallmann via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Luke Barnatt def. Andrew Craig via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:12
• Jessica Andrade def. Rosi Sexton via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)
• Cole Miller def. Andy Ogle via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Jimy Hettes def. Robert Whiteford via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 2:17
• Brad Scott def. Michael Kuiper via submission (standing guillotine choke) – Round 1, 4:17

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 30, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

Matt Erickson contributed to this report on-site in Manchester.